Creative, Active, Responsible Students in the Digital World 1 | Page 17

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Social media sites provide an avenue for students to easily contact one another regarding
school projects, group assignments or for help on homework assignments.
2. Using social media in the classroom can encourage more participation
Students who do not participate regularly in class may feel they can express their thoughts
through social media
3. Social media sites can be useful for homework help
When students have questions about a class assignment they can easily post a message asking
if anyone can help.
4. Share resources quickly when using social media in the classroom
If the teacher needs to direct students to a particular online resource they can easily share the
site through social media sites like twitter.
5. Social media helps keep parents, teachers and students all on the same page
It is very useful for teachers to be able to post on social media sites about class activities,
homework assignments and even school events. This helps the teachers, parents and students
all stay on the same page.
Disadvantages of Using Social Media in the Classroom
1. Social media can be a distraction in class
Students could easily be sidetracked from an assignment and it could be difficult for teachers
to tell who is paying attention or not.
2. Improper use of social media in the classroom
Students might take advantage of being able to access social media in the classroom and use
it for personal interactions instead of for school related activities.
3. Using social media in the classroom can detract from human interaction
If students are encouraged to participate in class discussions through social media websites
this could impact their ability to interact in face to face situations
4. Cyber bullying on social media websites
Some students have experienced cyber bullying through social media. This could increase
cyber bullying where students write hurtful messages targeting other students.
5. Posting inappropriate content on social media websites
One of the reasons social media sites are not allowed in schools is because it is difficult to
monitor how students use social media sites.
CREATIVE, ACTIVE, RESPONSIBLE STUDENTS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
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